Battery Pack Structural Plate Non-Linear Vent Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs in electrified vehicles face challenges in efficiently venting expanding gases from lithium ion battery cells, which can lead to gas buildup and require separate venting structures, increasing complexity and part count.
Innovation Solution
A non-linear vent path is integrated within a structural plate of the battery pack, acting as a conduit to direct vented gases from the battery cells, reducing the need for separate venting structures and simplifying the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate venting structures are used to vent gases from battery cells, then venting function is achieved, but device complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the venting function directly into the existing structural plate that forms part of the battery pack assembly. The non-linear vent path is formed within the plate itself, eliminating the need for separate venting components. This merging of structural and venting functions reduces part count and device complexity while maintaining reliable gas venting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the battery pack and simultaneously acts as a conduit for venting gases from battery cells. By making the plate multi-functional, the invention eliminates dedicated venting structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity while ensuring proper venting function.
2Reliability
If separate venting structures are used to vent gases from battery cells, then venting function is achieved, but part count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is merged with the structural plate, which is an existing component in the battery pack. The non-linear vent path is formed within this plate, eliminating the need for separate venting parts. This integration directly reduces part count while maintaining the necessary venting function for safety.
3Ease of manufacture
If linear vent path is used in the plate, then manufacturing is simpler, but venting efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a non-linear vent path within the structural plate to improve venting efficiency. The curved or angled path allows for more effective gas flow direction and evacuation compared to a simple linear path, while still being manufacturable using conventional techniques. This demonstrates that complexity in path geometry can be introduced without significantly compromising ease of manufacture, thereby achieving better venting performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for efficient venting of gases while reducing the complexity and part count of the battery pack, ensuring safe and effective gas release without sealing the entire pack, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the battery pack system.
Implementation Method 1
gas within the interiors of battery cells, such as lithium ion battery cells, can undesirably expand. The battery cells include vents to, if required, allow the expanding gas to escape from the interiors.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack device includes a conduit compressing against a battery cell array. The conduit is to communicate fluid that is vented from an interior of a battery cell within the battery cell array along a non-linear vent path. The conduit can include an inlet that opens to a vent chamber of the battery cell array. The conduit can be a plate. A foot could extend from the conduit. The non-linear vent path could be a first vent path, and the foot could provide a portion of a second vent path.